Eco-friendly Ganesha idols are making a buzz, not only in Bangalore but across the globe. 

Commercial establishments in Bangalore are helping people purchase and pack Ganesha idols of varied dimensions to export them or carry them overseas for NRIs planning to celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi. 

Shivakumar Hosamani from Samarpana, a non-profit organisation, said: “Many contacted us to carry idols with them. Geetanjali, travelling to the USA for six months, did not want to spoil her festival. She approached us and we sent the idol to her home in Jayanagar and appropriately packing it.

Similarly, Teju’s sister who stays in the UK had heard about eco-friendly idols. So, this year, apart from sending her festive goodies, Teju packed her one such idol.

They have sold idols to the people in the City who have exported or taken them with them to Dubai, Singapore and other Middle East countries.

M Srinivas, proprietor of Sri Vinayaka & Co, said they do not export idols directly.People purchase idols and carry them to foreign nations. R Muniraju, packed an idol before flying to London to not miss out on festivities.

The awareness and demand for idols is gradually rising, said Vijayalakshmi from The Living Store. She said since the last two years she has been supplying idols to people and also help pack them to be carried or exported. 

Most demand is from families whose relatives stay in the US. Though the size varies, the maximum is two and half feet and minimum five inches.